Ear Infections in Madison, OH

Chiropractic treatments have been shown to improve drainage from the ears, thus reducing the likelihood of developing ear infections. Located in Madison, French Chiropractic and Wellness Center offers the residents of Painesville, Mentor and other surrounding towns in Ohio treatments for ear infections that may reduce and complement the utilization of antibiotics and other medications.

What Is An Ear Infection?

Ear infections, or acute otitis media, are usually viral or bacterial in nature. These infections affect the middle ear, a pocket of air behind the eardrum that holds the small vibrating bones inside the ear. Ear infections are most common in children.

These infections are typically painful because of the associated swelling and fluid build-up in the middle ear.

Often times ear infections clear up without medication. Because of this, initial treatment may involve pain management and careful monitoring. Ear infections affecting infants and more serious infections in all patients require the use of antibiotics. Patients who experience persistent fluid build-up in the middle ear and repeated ear infections are at risk for more serious complications including hearing problems.

What Are The Symptoms Of An Ear Infection?

The early symptoms of an ear infection usually occur rapidly. Symptoms vary by age.

Children

Symptoms and signs seen in children include

• Ear pain that intensifies when lying down
• Tugging at an ear
• Difficulty with sleeping
• Crying more often than usual
• Irritability
• Diminished response to sound, difficulty hearing
• Balance problems
• Fever of 100° F (38° C) or greater
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Headache
• Lack of appetite

Adults

Typical symptoms and signs in adults include

• Pain in the ear
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Reduced ability to hear

When To See A Doctor

Ear infection signs and symptoms could be indicative of several conditions, and it is critical to obtain an accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment. Contact your child’s pediatrician if

• Symptoms persist longer than one day
• Ear pain is intense
• Your child has trouble sleeping or acts irritable following a cold or other upper respiratory infection
• You observe fluid, pus or bloody discharge draining from the ear

Adults experiencing ear pain or discharge should seek immediate medical attention.

What Is The Cause Of An Ear Infection?

Bacteria and viruses cause ear infections. The same is true of middle ear infections.

Inflammation resulting from an upper respiratory infection or allergy can obstruct the eustachian tubes, which extend from the middle ear to the throat. This blocks air flow to the middle ear and creates a suction, drawing germs and fluid from the throat and nose into the middle ear. The inflamed tube impedes fluid drainage, and this fluid allows bacteria and viruses to grow.

• Bacterial infections. Most ear infections start with bacteria. More common types include Haemophilus influenzae, streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus) and Moraxella catarrhalis.
• Viral infections. Ear infections may also be caused by viruses. Types of viruses that commonly lead to ear infections include the influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Fluid build-up and swelling can happen when no infection is present and cause a sensation of stuffiness inside the ears. This condition is known as otitis media with effusion.

Using a Chiropractor to Treat Ear Infections

More parents are using chiropractors to enhance their children’s health care. Chiropractic services involve diagnosing misalignments in the spine and correcting them by adjusting the spine, in addition to softening upper neck musculature to allow lymph (immune fluid) to drain properly from the ears. With children, gentle pressure is applied instead of the more aggressive pressure that is sometimes used with adult patients.

Chiropractors try to pinpoint the underlying cause of a health issue instead of merely treating symptoms. Spine misalignments may materialize after a fall, during childbirth, or following other normal activities. Untreated spinal misalignments can aggravate nerves and lessen the body’s ability to function normally, in the long run. Chiropractic adjustments help redevelop proper functioning of the nervous system, allowing the body to heal without surgery or medication.

The chief reason for child visits to chiropractors is ear pain. Many chiropractors feel there is a significant connection between childbirth and frequent ear problems. Neck vertebrae may become misaligned during the birthing process, which interrupts nerve function and can impact the eustachian tube. This could cause fluid build-up in the middle ear and lead to ear pain.

Chiropractors can adjust the misaligned neck bones that are hindering nerve function to avoid further complications including improper drainage of the eustachian tube in the ear and lymph glands. Chiropractic adjustments have been successful in correcting these problems in children and adults.

Ear infection (otitis media) is the reason for more than 35% of all pediatric visits nationwide. Antibiotics are the usual choice for treatment, but they are not always effective and may cause recurring infections. Many children endure an ongoing cycle of ear infections, and this results in additional doctor visits and more antibiotics. The chiropractic profession has asserted that chiropractic adjustments are effective treatments for ear and other upper respiratory infections for nearly a century.

An encouraging study that appeared in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics suggests there is a significant relationship between chiropractic adjustments and ear infection resolution. The study included 332 children, ranging in age from 27 days to five years old, who suffered chronic ear infections. Every child received a succession of chiropractic adjustments. The results demonstrated nearly 80 percent of the children did not develop another ear infection within the six-month span that followed their adjustments. Over that six-month period, the children underwent maintenance treatment every four to six weeks. Joan M. Fallon, D.C., who authored the study and treated the participating children, stated the study would stand as a place for the chiropractic profession to start evaluating its role in treating children suffering from chronic ear infections. She further stated that more expansive clinical trials must be conducted in the field.

Isn’t it time you tried chiropractic care for you and your family? If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms of ear infections, please contact our office now to schedule an appointment.